𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 ➤ 𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆

ii. when i first saw you

"So... the party is for Apollo and Artemis?" Hades asked and sipped on his seventh goblet, he felt ashamed of himself for failing to ask that hour before.

"Yes, they finally got their first official temples as God of the Sun and Goddess of the Hunt respectively," Zeus puffed. "Plus, Artemis has vowed to be a virgin goddess. I couldn't be any more proud."

"Wait, is not their mother Leto?"

"The very same."

Hades looked over his shoulder and saw Artemis and other goddesses socializing in the gardens, as well as Hera, standing on the throne room balcony.

"And... you're having the celebration right here?" he lowered his voice, making sure he wouldn't be heard.

"I see no reason why not, they're officially one of us now, and they can receive prayers and sacrifices from the mortals below. Zeus smiled and patted his shoulder, acknowledging that it was their special day and that they deserved a grand celebration.

"So, have you checked on Hera lately? How does she... feel?" Hades raised an incredulous brow as if the conversation was becoming an interrogation.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Isn't it obvious? You are hosting a party for your illegitimate children in your palace. Your palace, which you share with your wife and queen. Haven't you noticed her face every time she sees the twins or anyone of your – others." There was sympathy in Hades' voice.

He had always felt pity for Hera whenever Zeus would have affairs with other women and father illegitimate children.

He couldn't even understand how she could tolerate Zeus' countless infidelities and seeing his bastard children every day.

Zeus cleared his throat and spoke. "Look, I understand your concerns, but there's no need to worry about Hera, we've resolved it. We've had our differences since Apollo and Artemis were born, but now that they're grown up, Hera accepted that they're still my children, and thus, part of the family. In a nutshell, she's over it."

"Are you even hearing yourself, brother?" Hades snapped. "Sure, she's over the twins but
what about your more recent 'conquests'? Is this what you do every day? Going around, bedding goddesses and mortals alike, spawning more children?"

"Shh! Not too loud... wait... how did you –"
The King of the Gods' cheeks flushed bright red and clasped his hand over Hades' mouth, squinting his eyes suspiciously and frowning.

Hades smirked. "I'm the God of the Dead, remember? I have mortals coming in every day, and I could use a little gossip to entertain myself."

"At least Zeus is getting some," snorted Poseidon, looking disheartened. "I've been shut out ever since Amphitrite found out she was with child."

"Wait, can you do it when they're pregnant or does that hurt the –" Hades spoke awkwardly, blushing now.

"I don't see why not," Zeus chortled as the three burst into laughter together. "But I don't expect Hades to understand he doesn't know what love is."

"I don't think love is about bedding women, it's about respecting and caring for the one you love with your entire heart. "Just because I am single does not mean I do not know what love feels like," Hades said seriously, gazing over the distance as if contemplating something.